The move away from Qualcomm's wireless modems looks increasingly likely.

Apple may be drawing close to having its own 5G modems ready for its 2023 iPhones, Nikkei reported Wednesday, as the tech giant works out a deal with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company to use TSMC's chip production technology.

Cupertino, California-based Apple intends to mass produce its first in-house 5G modem chip and other components, according to Nikkei, which cited anonymous sources.

The news follows analyst Ming-Chi Kuo saying in May that Apple planned to switch to custom modems for future iPhones, moving away from traditional supplier Qualcomm.

For years rumors have circulated that Apple has been edging closer to seizing control of more of the parts that make up its devices. In 2019 it paid $1 billion to acquire Intel's modem business, after the chipmaker announced its intention to leave the modem market. That came after Apple settled a licensing dispute with Qualcomm, allowing it to use Qualcomm modems in its wireless devices.

Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.